Melanoma: What are your tips about immunotherapy (Keytruda)?

Posted by williamfh @williamfh, Dec 29, 2024

It started a year ago, nodular melanoma on my right arm. Had incision to remove. Stated they got it all. Checked two lymph nodes. One negative, 1 small traces of cancer cells. A year later, two pumps come up very near the same spot. Its cancer again. Doctor wants to try Keytruda, Neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Starting the drug before the tumor is taken out. I'm concerned the tumor will grow in 6 weeks and may spread while getting treatment, which could make things worse. She states I'm a good candidate because of my positive TPS 6-10% and my TMB 52.6. After reading up on this drug I'm very nervous about the side effects, many that are permanent and non reversible. Latest stage diagnose is melanoma stage 3C because it recurred. I'm kinda at a loss with direction to go. Any experience using this drug out there?

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beebe | @beebe | 4 days ago

In reply to @colleenyoung "@beebe, how is the rash?" + (show)

Thankfully, my rash resolved after 7 days treatment with benadryl and famotidine. As the rash left severe itching started in my hands and feet. If I was a dog i would be wearing a cone around my head. The hand itch is so intense I hold onto blue ice at times to settle it down. The oncologist prescribed an antihistamine which is stronger than benadryl but it makes you extremely tired, a little dizzy, and shaky. So I am praying the itch resolves like the rash did, time will tell!

ronsale | @ronsale | 4 days ago

I have been on Keytruda for 13 months with 14 infusions done. My 15th of a total of 18 planed is scheduled for next Tuesday. However, the rash I have had from Keytruda which soon started after treatment began has spread to almost all parts of my body and has become quite severe. So, I am planning to either stop the treatment or to take a break for a couple of months after consult with PA next week. My malignant kidney tumor was diagnosed two years ago this month, and I opted out of total nephrectomy because of my age. High dose radiation therapy was done last June to stop bleeding from the lesion; it was successful. Last MRI in March showed lesion has reduced in size slightly and there is no spread. It's been a long fight but I remain hopeful.